On a crisp winter evening, the gymnasium at Revere High School (RHS) buzzed with excitement as the women’s basketball team prepared for their most crucial game of the season. Among the players, Senior Ana Zlojutro stood out not just for her skill on the court but for her leadership on and off the hardwood.
Ana leads by example and inspires her teammates to push themselves harder. Her dedication to the sport is matched only by her commitment to her studies and her involvement in the student council, making her a role model for her peers. Advisers and coaches at RHS value these qualities and highlight them. Zlojutro’s role as a leader is recognized by her coaches and teammates as well.
“Leading the team with a positive mindset has always helped me to achieve the things that I have so far. Showing that you have a passion for something helps you succeed in that field almost always. I feel like with basketball, especially last year, I had such a big desire to succeed and to show my coaches that I care and that I am willing to do anything to help my team and the program,” Zlojutro said.
Zlojutro’s constant dedication to her teammates demonstrates her leadership on and off the court. She shows her passion by working hard during games and practices. Michael Coreno, the women’s basketball head coach, highlighted her consistent involvement in the team throughout the season.
“She is always cheering her teammates on, helping in any way needed. [She is the] definition of a great leader/teammate,” Coreno said.
Zlojutro’s leadership extends beyond her actions on the court, rooted in her positive mindset and passion for the game. Her dedication to success both individually and as a team is evident. Zlojutro’s dedication to basketball is demonstrated by her drive to push through injury and continue to help the team.
“Ana injured her wrist on her shooting hand early in the season and she has worked every day to switch over to the other hand so she could still help the team in any way possible,” Coreno said.
Coreno emphasizes Zlojutro’s dedication to her team. Despite facing a challenging injury, Zlojutro didn’t let it stop her contribution. Her determination to adapt and continue supporting her team shows her commitment to the team’s success. Zlojutro’s willingness to work through adversity shows her leadership and dedication to her peers.
“I try my best to understand each player’s story and their perspectives on how they go about certain things. I think positive relationships are built out of being a support system for all of your teammates and creating a safe environment so that they feel comfortable enough to talk to you,” Zlojutro said.
By taking time to understand her teammates’ stories and perspectives, Zlojutro creates a supportive environment where everyone feels valued. This commitment to building positive relationships not only strengthens the bond within the team but also makes a sense of trust and teamwork that is essential for success both on and off the court. Zlojutro’s leadership style shows the importance of empathy and communication in creating a supportive environment.
“It’s hard knowing that you just had a bad game but it’s even harder when there’s nobody there to get you through that feeling. Team chemistry just comes naturally with a positive environment. I think team bondings help with this a ton, the more we hang out the closer we get, and then therefore that all translates out on the court,” Zlojutro said.
Zlojutro’s words emphasize the importance of team unity and support, especially during challenging times. She recognizes that the strength of the team extends beyond the court and into their friendships off-court. This strong team chemistry also translates to their performance on the court, where their close bonds encourage them to support each other through victories and setbacks. Zlojutro’s understanding of the role team dynamics play in their success highlights her leadership and dedication to the team’s overall well-being. Student Council Adviser Emily Rion emphasizes Zlojutro’s work related to problem-solving and getting things done.
“Ana definitely listens to what the other students have to say, what the student body has to say, and is very proactive if she sees a problem. She doesn’t just like to wait for everybody else to figure out the solution, she tries to think of a solution as well,” Rion said.
Rion emphasizes her proactive approach to leadership, mentioning her attention to the concerns of the student body and her readiness to take action. Her proactive nature is evident in her work to address problems head-on rather than waiting for others to find solutions. Her ability to listen, empathize, and take initiative shows her leadership qualities. Zlojutro’s approach helps her take initiative based on her information from the community. Planning events is a large part of STUCO. Whether it be homecoming or prom, their work is invaluable in deciding these events
“With every event that we plan, we keep all our peers in mind and plan in ways according to what the people want. We truly want to make this year memorable for everyone and hope that people truly enjoy all the events we plan,” Zlojutro said.
Zlojutro’s commitment to making the year memorable for everyone extends beyond the basketball court. She believes in ensuring students have a voice in shaping their high school experience. Her dedication to planning events that cater to her peers reflects her leadership style; it is in empathy and a genuine desire to make a positive impact through her efforts. Zlojutro’s communication extends throughout the school to not just students, but many staff members.
“She does that [talking] with ease and confidence and just kind of a willingness to kind of put herself out there and take that risk,” Rion said.
Zlojutro’s ability to communicate with ease and confidence highlights her willingness to step outside of her comfort zone and take risks. Her confidence in expressing herself and her ideas is a confirmation of her leadership skills and her dedication to making her voice heard. Her work ethic and commitment to advocating for herself and others make her a valuable asset to the team and student body. Student council adviser Beth D’Amico acknowledges her value in giving back to the community and highlights the work she has done.
“She is very conscientious of giving back and recognizing students and giving back to the community,” D’amico said.
Her strong sense of social responsibility and community engagement allows her to give back to both her peers and the community. Zlojutro’s dedication to recognizing the contributions of others reflects her character and role as a leader and positive influence in the school.
“She is incredibly organized and receptive. And communicates, she gets back to you quickly, she steps up a lot,” Rion said.
Zlojutro’s leadership shines brightest in the moments when her team needs her. As the gym buzzes with excitement on a winter evening, Zlojutro’s presence on the court is not just about her skill but also about her ability to inspire and lead. As she prepares to graduate, Zlojutro’s legacy of leadership will be remembered as a defining characteristic of her time at Revere High School, inspiring future generations of students and athletes.
